For the third consecutive year Harry Redknapp has a book out.
Two years ago, it was his autobiography. Last year a compilation of typically ridiculous stories from his management career. It's the same again this time with 'It Shouldn't Happen To A Manager'. The book is being serialised by the Daily Mail.
One story relates to archetypal 90s football hard man Neil Ruddock. During his time as manager of West Ham, Redkapp attempted fine Ruddock for getting into a fight with Mike Newell at Gleneagles golf club. This happened at a time when the centre-back was supposed to be recuperating.
There were reports Neil Ruddock had been in a fight with Mike Newell at Gleneagles golf club. The issue was that he was supposed to be ill, or having treatment, and not playing golf before going out drinking.
So I fined him a fortnight's wages. I thought that would be straight forward enough but he appealed and we all ended up having to go to an FA tribunal.
Ruddock refused to accept the fine, turning up to the FA tribunal with expensive legal representation.
Razor turned up with some Australian barrister, who looked like a film star and was the cleverest boy I've ever met. Within minutes, he had us tied up in knots.
It was embarrassing. Razor won the case and the club was forced to reimburse him.
Then the barrister turned to Dave Richards, who was chairman of the Premier League and on the FA's board and said: 'Thank you Mr Richards, I'm afraid I don't come cheap' and he handed over a bill for £30,000 to Dave Richards, who said: 'This is not a court of law, we don't cover costs.'
Razor's face was a picture. He had to pay, and his barrister was charging him more than the fine, £30,000 instead of a £20,000 fine.
Unlucky, Razor.
Redknapp has a incredible repository of stories from his time in football. It will be interesting to see if he can churn even more stocking fillers before the well runs completely dry.
